We take a look at Pool A of the Rugby World Cup to be held in Japan starting this Friday.
Ireland as the current world’s top ranked team are the odds on favourites to qualify tops from Pool A.
While their form going into the World Cup have not been spectacular, especially havng been beaten by both England and Wales this year, they pack enough talents to see them through to the knockout stages.
After all they won the Six Nations Grand Slam as well as an impressive win over the All Blacks last year.
While Ireland boast of a balanced side, their hopes would also rest heavily on the form of their World Rubgy Player of the Year Johnny Sexton.
The 34-year-old veteran seems to have recovered from injury troubles that has plagued him quite some time and would be looking to assert his authority in Japan.
His contribution together with the support of their talented wing Jacob Stockdale would be crucial for the Irish.
Stockdale eclipsed the Six Nations try scoring record last year with seven tries to his name. He also contributed a crucial try in Ireland’s 16-9 defeat of New Zealand last year, their first ever home win against their rivals.
At the 2019/19 Champions Cup, he was equally impressive as he finished as the joint try-scorer with Sean Cronin.
Both Scotland and hosts Japan are likely to be involved in their own battle to join Ireland in the quarter-finals.
At the 2015 World Cup, Scotland edged out Japan in the group stages to finish tops. Japan cam close to upstaging the Scottish after picking up a stunning win over South Africa in an earlier match.
Like Ireland, Scotland’s form going into the World Cup has not been as impressive as their form in 2018. They finished third in the Six Nations, defeating the likes of France, England and Italy. But they have not been able to reproduce the same form lately.
Japan, were beaten by South Africa in a warm up match recently, a defeat that broke their streak of four wins.
Backed by the vociferous home fans, Japan would be looking for another impressive showing at the World Cup.
The Scots would be hoping for their star fullback Stuart Hogg to rediscover his previous form.
The two time Six Nations player of the Tournament, picked up an injury earlier this year but has made his return to the squad just in time for the warm up matches prior to the World Cup.
Japan’s New Zealand born Michael Leitch is expected to feature prominently for the side just as he did at the last World Cup.
Samoa and Russia are not expected to trouble the main contenders in the Pool.
Samoa, led by their veteran centre Alapati Leiua are currently ranked 16th in the world and are making their first World Cup appearance since 1995.
Russia are the weakest team in the Pool and would be hard pressed to make any dent on their opponents.
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